Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers – especially pregnant women and the parents of infants and young children – not to eat Raquel’s brand hummus salads, wraps, sandwiches and other food items. They may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacteria that can cause serious health problems. No illnesses have been reported in connection with this problem.

Quong Hop & Co. initiated the voluntary recall of “Raquel’s” brand products after sampling conducted by CDPH detected Listeria monocytogenes in a processing plant. In addition to the bacteria concerns, an allergen, soy lecithin, is used in the production of hummus but it is not mentioned on the label. Raquel’s products are packaged in a variety of sizes. The hummus has a product date of Sept. 23, 2010 and prior. Salads, wraps, sandwiches and other food items have product dates of Aug. 3, 2010 and prior. Raquel’s is distributed to supermarkets and natural food stores in several western states, including California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

A complete list of recalled products can be found here. Additional product photos can be found here.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterial organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in newborns, the elderly and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Others may suffer short-term symptoms that can include fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Consumers with any of these symptoms should call their physician.

Consumers who purchased these products should immediately discard them or return them to the store where they were purchased. Anyone who handles these products should wash their hands thoroughly afterwards. Consumers with questions can call Quong Hop at (650) 553-9900 extension 13.